Today is National Depression Screening Day, a moment dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health screening and timely intervention. At Ouma Health, we deeply understand the toll that depression and anxiety can take on expectant and new mothers, a group often underserved and overlooked in our healthcare system.
We are committed to using technology and relationship-based care to provide compassionate and effective mental health support for this vulnerable population. In addition to our core services like Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) consults, pregnancy and postpartum visits, and lactation support, we aim to ensure mental health care becomes an integral part of perinatal health.
National Depression Screening Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need for early identification and intervention in mental health. In a system that too often allows expectant and new mothers to fall through the cracks, the need for more proactive care is evident. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of childbirth, and alarmingly, suicide is one of the leading causes of postpartum deaths. Yet, despite these significant risks, up to 69% of postpartum depression cases go undetected, and only a fraction receive evidence-based treatment. Ouma Health is dedicated to changing this narrative and improving outcomes for mothers and their families.
A Pioneering Approach
Our team exemplifies an innovative approach to maternal healthcare every day. Under thoughtful leadership, Ouma Health is transforming maternal health outcomes by leveraging cutting-edge technology alongside fostering meaningful patient-provider relationships. This dual focus is making a lasting impact on the lives of mothers, families, and communities we serve.
- Universal Screening: At Ouma Health, we screen 100% of our patients using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This proactive approach ensures that no mother is overlooked and every mother has the opportunity to discuss their mental wellbeing so that any issues are identified early and appropriate follow-up, referrals and resources are offered.
- Telehealth Visits: We offer face-to-face telehealth appointments to women across the country conducted by our team of psychiatric nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives with additional training in perinatal mental health, and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists making it easier for mothers to access specialized care without the need for physical travel or dodging logistical challenges. This is especially critical for those in rural areas or those with limited mobility or resources.
- Enhancing Communication and Rapport: Our model of care strengthens the patient-clinician relationship, ensuring that every woman feels seen and heard, despite barriers such as language or vulnerability. Through telemedicine, we provide continuous care for up to a year postpartum and foster a strong rapport, which is essential for effective treatment.
- Comprehensive Support Network: At Ouma Health, patients aren't just numbers. Our robust network of maternal health experts collaborates to address and refer appropriately for various experiences impacting a patient’s mental health, tailoring care to each individual's unique situation.
- Innovative Solutions for Superior Outcomes: By combining advanced technology with personalized, compassionate care, Ouma Health delivers superior mental health outcomes for mothers. We help ensure healthier pregnancies, stronger family bonds, and positive environments for children’s development.
By addressing mental health proactively and compassionately, we help ensure healthier pregnancies, stronger familial bonds, and more positive developmental environments for children.
This National Depression Screening Day, Ouma Health reaffirms its commitment to serving the perinatal population with innovative solutions and compassionate care. We invite healthcare providers and families alike to recognize the importance of mental health screening in the perinatal period and to take active steps in supporting mothers on their journeys.
If you are a health system, MCO, or FQHC, and looking for a partner who understands the importance of comprehensive maternal healthcare, especially mental health and well-being, we invite you to connect with us.
